The strict fishing ban implemented in the Yangtze River, one of the world’s largest rivers located in China, has resulted in the fish population doubling in biomass. However, this rapid natural recovery has not come without its costs, as highlighted by a recent study published in Science, which points to severe socioeconomic impacts resulting from the ban. This bold move was necessary due to the ecological crisis the river faced after decades of industrial development and overfishing, which had severely diminished the fish population and led to the extinction of 135 historically present fish species.

The Yangtze River serves as a crucial artery for China’s economy, directly and indirectly supporting the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people. By the mid-20th century, the development of industry led to a significant ecological crisis, with fish catches plummeting to only a quarter of what they were during the river's peak. With various species, including the well-known Chinese paddlefish and the Yangtze river dolphin, now extinct, urgent measures were required to halt this alarming trend and initiate recovery.

In response to this crisis, the Chinese government made a radical decision in 2021 by imposing a decade-long ban on all commercial fishing in the river basin. This policy aims to give the ecosystem a much-needed respite, allowing fish populations to replenish. While the recovery signs are promising, the socio-economic repercussions of such a prohibition remain a critical challenge that needs addressing, indicating the delicate balance between ecological sustainability and economic viability.